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Second Harmonic Scattering (SHS) is a suitable technique to investigate the orientational correlations between molecules. This article explores the organization of different dye molecules adsorbed within the hydrophobic porosity of a hybrid organic–inorganic nanotube. Experimental polarization resolved SHS measurements highlight different orientational orders ranking from highly ordered and rigid organizations to disordered assemblies. Microscopic models of assemblies inside the pores are presented and discussed in the context of orientational correlation between the dye molecules. This work shows that the degree of order in the nanotube cavity follows the molecule's affinity within the porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissociative electron attachment rate constants have been measured for Cr(CO)6 under thermal conditions, 296–400 K, yielding Cr(CO)5− product. At 296 K, 2.92 ± 0.70 cm3 s−1 was measured and a small decrease with temperature was observed (2.72 ± 0.70 cm3 s−1 at 400 K). We additionally determined the cation products of Ar+ reacting with Cr(CO)6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a direct three-body recombination approach of the sulfur recombination reaction, S + S + M → S2 + M, at temperatures between 100 and 500 K. Our calculations for M = Ar, based on a classical trajectory approach in hyperspherical coordinates, show excellent agreement with the experimental measurement at T = 298 K of Fair and Thrush [Trans. Faraday Soc. 65, 1208 (1969)]. Similarly, we find that the production of S2 strongly depends on the SAr product, the other possible reaction channel. Finally, using the classical threshold law, we check sulfur recombination with another third body, M = H2S, and find no significant change in the rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The double-ion chamber (DIC) method has been used to measure photoabsorption cross sections in the ionization region of the sample gas. In this study, we introduce a method to extend the wavelength region of the DIC measurements beyond the ionization threshold wavelength by using the photoion currents from the impurities in the sample gas. To verify this method, the photoabsorption cross sections of C2H2 (ionization threshold wavelength λth = 108.8 nm) have been measured from 105 to 137 nm. The natural impurity, acetone (λth = 127.8 nm), contained 1% in high-purity grade acetylene (C2H2) sample gas, allowing for measurements in the non-ionizing region of C2H2 up to 127.7 nm. By adding 1% benzene (λth = 134.6 nm) in the sample gas, measurements were possible even further, to 134.5 nm. This new method enables the measurement of the photoabsorption cross section by photoions that are produced from the impurities in the sample gas in a substantial amount. The current measurement methodology aligns well with the previous measurements of Suto and Lee [Suto and Lee, J. Chem. Phys. 80, 4824 (1984)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the bond dissociation energy of O2 by measuring fully state-to-state resolved threshold fragment yield spectra in the XUV energy region, O 2 X 3 Σ g − , N ″ , J ″ → O ( P J 3 ) + O ( S 1 o 3 ) / O ( S 2 o 5 ). Our results have yielded a bond dissociation energy value of 41 269.19 ± 0.10 cm−1, which is consistent with previous measurements but exhibits a significantly lower uncertainty, approximately five times smaller. It is noteworthy that this study is the first to simultaneously achieve fine structure state resolution for the parent O2 molecule and spin–orbit state resolution for the O(3PJ) fragments in the measurement of O2 bond dissociation energy. As a result, our findings have established a solid foundation for the obtained data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Flossing is still a relatively new technique that has yielded varied results in the research literature; therefore, it requires further investigation. Previous research has shown that thigh tissue flossing might improve performance in countermovement jump, sprint time, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development. Design. The present study aims to investigate the effect of the floss band on performance during the Wingate test (30-WAT), muscle oxygen saturation (SpO2), and total hemoglobin in vastus lateralis. Methods: Twenty-two students of physical education and sport (11 men and 11 women) were randomly selected to complete either the Wingate test with the application of a floss band in warm-up or the Wingate test without the use of a floss band, followed by the alternative 24 hours apart. Results: Throughout the testing, the floss band did not affect performance values during the Wingate test (relative peak power, relative average power, and fatigue index). However, there was a medium to large effect difference during 1 minute prior to 30-WAT (PRE), during the 30-WAT, and 10-minute recovery (REC) in values of SpO2 and total hemoglobin. Use of floss band displayed a higher SpO2 during PRE, 30-WAT, and REC by ~13.55%, d<2; ~19.06%, d = 0.89; and ~8.55%, d = 0.59, respectively. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that the application of thigh flossing during warm-up has no effect on 30-WAT performance; however, SpO2 was significantly increased in all stages of testing. This could lead to potential improvement in repeated anaerobic exercise due to increased blood flow. Increased muscle oxygen saturation can also lead to improved tissue healing as oxygen supply is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, and pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double-channel methane (CH4) sensor was developed using a dual-pass multipass cell (DP-MPC) and a novel method that combines averaging dual-channel concentration signals with optimized detector gain configuration. This DP-MPC features two input/output coupling holes, resulting in absorption path lengths of approximately 95.8 m and 35.8 m, respectively. By optimizing the photodetector gain configuration and averaging the dual-channel concentration signals, the detection performance of the sensor was further enhanced. Allan deviation analysis indicated that after optimizing the detector gain, the measurement precision after dual-channel averaging reaches 21 ppb with an integration time of 1 s at a concentration of 2 ppm CH4, which is approximately 1.4 times higher than the measurement precision of the long-path channel (31 ppb) and short-path channel (30 ppb). The time required to achieve a measurement precision of 21 ppb is 2.4 s for the long-path channel and 2.1 s for the short-path channel. The response speed of the dual-channel averaging is approximately 2 times that of any single channel. Meanwhile, the sensor demonstrated its stability and reliability through continuous outdoor atmospheric CH4 measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shared decision making in healthcare is a fundamental right for patients. Healthcare professionals' perception of their own abilities to enable shared decision making is crucial for implementing shared decision making within service. IcanSDM (I can shared decision making) is a brief measure to investigate healthcare professionals' perception of shared decision making approaches to their practices. It was developed in Canada with French and English versions, and recently translated into German. This study aims to adapt the IcanSDM measure for Danish-speaking healthcare professionals, and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: Cultural adaptation and translation based on Beaton et al.'s approach was applied. A forward translation by ten people and a backward translation by two people were performed. To assess comprehensibility, cognitive interviews were conducted with 24 healthcare professionals. Eighty healthcare professionals who were trained in shared decision making for either one hour (n = 65) or one day (n = 15) participated in the psychometric evaluation. The evaluation concerned acceptance, item characteristics, skewness, item difficulties, corrected item-total correlations, inter-item correlations, factorial structure, internal consistency, and responsiveness. Results: The forward and backward translation revealed few discrepancies, and participants understood the items well. The psychometric evaluation showed a high completion rate and acceptable item difficulties and discrimination values. Both the factor analysis and the internal consistency showed a 2-factor structure: 1) healthcare professionals' capacity to implement shared decision making; and 2) healthcare professionals' capacity to practise shared decision making. The IcanSDM_Danish obtained a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.74. The evaluation of responsiveness showed improvement, but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The IcanSDM_Danish has good cross-cultural validity and internal consistency, and a 2-factor structure. The IcanSDM_Danish is capable of providing reliable and valid measurement when evaluating constructed knowledge about shared decision making, and may be able to support the implementation of shared decision making training and evaluation of its impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality is central to value-based care, and measurement is essential for assessing performance and understanding improvement over time. Both value-based care and methods for quality measurement are evolving. Infectious diseases (ID) has been less engaged than other specialties in quality measure development, and ID providers must seize the opportunity to engage with quality measure development and research. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are an ideal starting point for ID-related quality measure development; antimicrobial stewardship program interventions and best practices are ID specific, measurable, and effective, yet they are grossly undercompensated. Herein, we provide a scheme for prioritizing research focused on development of ID-specific quality measures. Maturation of quality measurement research in ID, beginning with an initial focus on stewardship-related conditions and then expanding to non-stewardship topics, will allow ID to take control of its future in value-based care and promote the growth of ID through greater recognition of its value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In large transdisciplinary research teams finding the balance between using the most appropriate and needed measures for data collection and minimising participant burden is often a significant challenge. This paper aims to describe the development process for selecting a set of determinants of physical activity behaviours in 9–12 years old children. An internal small group (n = 8) worked iteratively with an external large group of experts and stakeholders (n = 30-50) in three steps: 1) External input – Identification through expert opinion; 2) Internal input – Identification and selection via a systematized approach; 3) External validation of the selected measures. During these steps, 113 measures were first identified, then scored, sorted, and selected using evidence-building practices such as systematic literature reviews, peer-review, and consensus discussions. Eighteen measures were agreed and included in the core measures toolkit (child and caregiver questionnaires). In conclusion, pragmatism, implementation concerns, and the experts' experience were key in this process. This process may be considered as a reference to others involved in the challenge of selecting measures in their research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When they are asked to test a given hypothesis, individuals tend to be biased towards confirming evidence. This phenomenon has been documented on different cognitive components: information search, weighing of evidence, and memory recall. However, the interpretation of these observations has been debated, and it remains unclear whether they truly reflect a confirmation bias (as opposed to e.g., a bias towards positive information). In the present study we aimed at evaluating whether these biases might be subtended by a common factor. We adapted three classic experimental paradigms on hypothesis testing (Wason selection task, 2-4-6 task, and interviewee task) and examined the relation between these biases using an individual differences approach. Participants (N = 200) completed a total of nine behavioral tasks, in which each component of confirmation bias was measured in each of the three experimental paradigms. Correlations and factor analyses within a multitrait–multimethod framework indicated greater convergence of bias scores within each component across paradigms, than within experimental paradigms. This suggests that a common factor underlies the different measurements of confirmation bias across experimental paradigms, at least to some extent. In these paradigms, thus, biases towards confirming evidence may truly reflect a confirmation bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: People with spinal cord injury (PwSCI) can experience life changes, including impacts on their physical and mental health. PwSCI often report less life satisfaction and lower subjective well-being than peers without SCI. These challenges and adversities increase the demand on them to be more resilient. Healthcare providers need quick and valid instruments to assess adult patients' resilience in clinical settings. We aimed to validate the factor validity and discrimination ability of a resilience scale, CD-RISC-10, for clinical usage in adults with SCI during hospitalization. Materials and Methods: 93 adults with SCI responded to the self-reported survey, including CD-RISC-10, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Scale (PHQ-9), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Intrinsic Spirituality Scale. We conducted descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and item response theory (IRT). Results: Two items were deleted from CD-RISC-10 after EFA, forming CD-RISC-8. The item discriminations of the remaining eight items from the unconstrained IRT model ranged from a high of 3.071 to a relatively low 1.433. CD-RISC-8 is significantly related to PHQ-9 and SWLS. Conclusions: The factor validity of the CD-RISC-8 was improved. Significantly, the CD-RISC-8 has excellent potential for clinical usage due to its discriminant ability between low and intermediate resilience. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Spinal Cord Injury People with spinal cord injury (PwSCI) experience unique challenges and adversities that can negatively affect physical, mental, social, and financial health and life satisfaction. PwSCI with higher resilience adapt to challenges quicker, and have better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life. The CD-RISC-8 is useful for screening PwSCI who need resilience intervention and it is sensitive enough to evaluate resilience improvement within two minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Outcome measurement provides clinicians, services and funders with useful information. However, little is known about the experience of participating in outcome measurement during lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation from the patient's perspective. Materials and methods: Thirty-two participants who underwent lower limb amputation within 5 years, and had experience of taking part in outcome measurement during prosthetic rehabilitation, were recruited from UK limb fitting centers and social media. Data were collected using focus groups and interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified. (1) How does participating in outcome measurement make me feel? (2) Do the outcome measures used in routine clinical care capture an accurate picture of my recovery? (3) Who is outcome measurement for? and (4) are prosthetic services measuring what is meaningful? These themes suggest outcome measurement is not a neutral activity for patients following lower limb amputation. Conclusions: Harnessing the positive impacts of measuring outcomes could be used for motivation, to support adjustment and recovery, to improve communication and to support shared decision-making. This could make outcome measurement more meaningful and patient-centered. However, there may be potential for patients to respond negatively to outcome measures and clinicians should consider their impact on psychosocial factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Outcome measurement in prosthetic rehabilitation can provide clinicians, service providers and funders with important information. Adopting a patient-centred approach could make the process more meaningful and therefore beneficial for patients themselves. Measuring what is important to patients by considering a holistic approach beyond physical domains may make outcome measurement more meaningful. Patient centred approaches may include talking to patients about outcome measurement, using it to support motivation, goal setting and decision-making, as well as exploring outcome ranges to account for, or even capture variability. However, the potential for negative responses should not be overlooked, and clinicians should consider the psychosocial impact of outcome measurement on this patient group, especially when using performance-based measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractNegative aspects of caregiving, including stress and burden, have dominated research. However, there has been a growing awareness of the need to examine the positive and rewarding aspects of caregiving for older adults. This paper will describe the development and pilot testing of a measure that examines the Positive and Enjoyable Aspects of the Caregiving Experience (PEACE). Forty-five caregivers of older adults were recruited from two hospitals within a large regional health system and studied at three points in time. Data were examined only at the second phase of data collection within this study (n = 29). Correlations were used to examine the relationship between positive and enjoyable aspects of caregiving constructs and validated tools. Analysis found high internal reliability (α = 0.82) for a novel measure developed and tested in this study, entitled, the PEACE. Convergent validity was demonstrated by significant positive correlations between the PEACE and quality of life and social support. Divergent validity was found between the PEACE and caregiver burden. This novel measure has the potential for a more holistic assessment of the caregivers’ experiences, which offers implications for service provision and program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPsychedelics have shown early evidence for a range of benefits and low harm profiles in extant research. However, adverse effects (AEs) research in psychedelics has been limited, leading to underspecified AE profiles, inconsistent measurement, and potential undercounting of AEs. The development of safe, effective psychedelic therapies and treatments for AEs when they occur requires a thorough assessment of psychedelic-related AEs, their phenomenology, risk factors, and longitudinal duration. This article proposes that research on meditation-related AEs, which overlap in important ways with the phenomenological and contextual characteristics of psychedelic-related AEs, has engaged many methodological challenges present in the study of psychedelic-related AEs. Thus, meditation-related AE research offers thematic and methodological insights that are valuable to psychedelic AE research. An integrative review of extant AE research in both psychedelics and meditation is provided, and an agenda for leveraging meditation research to advance the investigation of psychedelic AEs is recommended. This includes the utility of meditation-related AEs as a comparator condition for psychedelic-related AEs, as well as recommendations for the adoption of (1) detailed and comprehensive, (2) user-informed, (3) impact-based, (4) standardized, (5) unbiased, and (6) representative measures of AEs and (7) examining factors that influence their impacts and trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 1993 EM:IP article, I made six predictions related to measurement policy issues for the approaching millenium. In this article, I evaluate the accuracy of those predictions (Spoiler: I was only modestly accurate) and I proffer a mix of seven contemporary predictions, recommendations, and aspirations regarding assessment generally, NCME as an association, and specific psychometric practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the role of measurement as a cognitive technology across human history, emphasizing the coexistence of formal and informal measurement systems. While standardized systems dominate contemporary culture and are well documented across large‐scale societies of the past, this manuscript highlights the less explored domain of informal measurement practices that have been integral to daily life from the past to the present. Through the examination of body‐based measurement systems and proportional heuristics, we demonstrate how these informal strategies were not merely precursors to formal standards but essential adaptive tools for solving everyday problems. Often, these informal solutions come with practical advantages. This manuscript calls for a broader recognition of their significance in cultural and technological evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How often do we reflect on the potential moral or value implications – what is right, wrong, has value and is (in)appropriate – of seemingly trivial analytical decisions, such as how to dichotomise a variable? I argue that analytical choices relate to multifaceted and oftentimes challenging moral issues that scientists should take into deeper consideration. Here, I illustrate a variety of potential considerations about moral values, including issues like exclusion, marginalisation, autonomy, responsibility, non-maleficence in relation to various common analytical choices and practices, such as the use of thresholds for disease diagnosis or population definition, the use of composite measures in the context of clarifying effects, classification practices, decisions on variable selection, as well as decisions relating to (dis)aggregation of data. I discuss these examples in the context of reasonable theoretical or statistical reservations. I advocate for deeper engagement with the difficult moral implications of analytical decisions, and for a principled and pluralistic science, that is also a more robust science. Such a science can include diverse moral views through a coupled ethical-epistemic approach, sensitivity tests, multiverse analysis, as well as stronger commitments to participatory and mutual learning practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the global regulation by periodic event‐triggered output feedback control for a class of feedforward nonlinear systems. Particularly, the considered systems suffer from parameter uncertainties and unknown measurement sensitivity, which entail integrating advanced compensation strategies within the event‐triggered framework. To this end, a time‐varying gain is devised to tackle uncertain nonlinearities as well as the sampling error. Subsequently, a novel periodic event‐triggered output feedback controller is constructed based on the delicate choice of design parameters. Notably, the proposed control scheme is able to avoid the continuous monitoring of the system behavior, and guarantee that all closed‐loop system states are globally bounded and ultimately converge to zero. Finally, a practical example is given to illustrate the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent mental health surveys in public health are sometimes questioned because of their main focus on self-reported symptoms, lacking data on impairment, e.g. the consequences on everyday life of the mental health problems. While public health studies typically reveal higher prevalence rates of internalising problems for girls than boys, there are indications that the gender pattern may change when self-reported data on symptoms are analysed simultaneously with impairment. The purpose is to determine how gender patterns of adolescent mental health solely based on symptoms are affected when level of symptoms is analysed simultaneously with impairment. Methods: Questionnaire data on adolescent mental health were collected in schools by Statistics Sweden in the autumn of 2009 as part of a national total population study in grades 6 and 9 in Sweden. In this study only data from grade 9 students are used (n = 91 627; response rate = 80 per cent). Psychosomatic symptoms were measured with the Psychosomatic Problems scale including eight items. Impairment was measured with four items included in the SDQ impact supplement. The associations between these key constructs were analysed with logistic regression and contingency tables. Results: When analysing variables on psychosomatic symptoms and impairment independently, the results are consistent with typical findings of gender patterns in adolescent internalising mental health. Girls report both more psychosomatic symptoms, and more negative consequences in everyday life, than boys. The gender patterns are, however, strongly affected when impairment is conditioned on level of psychosomatic symptoms. Except for the Home Life setting, in the settings of Friendships, Classroom Learning and Leisure Activities, the previously reported gender pattern favoring higher disturbances among girls becomes partly reversed implying that boys report more negative consequences than girls. Hence, while girls report a higher prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms, boys appear to suffer from such symptoms more than, or as much as, girls in three out of four everyday life settings. Conclusions: The study confirms the insufficiency of solely including data on symptoms in the measurement of adolescent mental health. Regardless of the causes of the complex gender pattern shown in this study, the results highlight the importance of simultaneous inclusion of indicators of impairment as well as symptom counts and frequency in the measurement of adolescent mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although periodic photonic structures, especially associated with nonlinearity, play a prominent role in optics nowadays, effective detection of their nonlinearity still remains a critical challenge. Here, an approach is proposed to detect the nonlinearity of photonic lattices in a direct way. By properly launching structured beams, namely Airy beams, into the lattices, the nonlinear response function of the discrete system can be directly obtained in the nonlinearly‐shaped beam profiles. To be specific, a single Airy beam is utilized to map self‐defocusing nonlinearity, while self‐focusing nonlinearity, which is hard to visualize in the bulk case, is readily discerned by employing double Airy beams in photonic structures. The proposed method is validated numerically and experimentally by detecting different types of nonlinearities of photonic lattices fabricated in a nonlinear crystal. These findings introduce a promising route for characterizing the nonlinear response of optical structures, thereby broadening the scope of nonlinear measurement and is expected to be extended into other periodic photonic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Design, setting and participants Measurements Findings Conclusions Amid escalating cannabis legalization and daily consumption in the United States (US), determining the risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and relevant consequences among daily consumers has become a public health priority. Understanding these risks requires valid assessment of the daily quantity of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumed and its relation to consequences. This study characterized daily cannabis consumption using a new method for estimating milligrams of THC (mgTHC), and examined the relationship between daily mgTHC and CUD severity in a large national sample of daily consumers.US adult (aged 18+ years) daily cannabis consumers (n = 4134) completed a comprehensive online survey of cannabis consumption patterns (e.g. frequency, quantity, product types, potencies, administration methods) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM‐5) CUD criteria.The primary exposure was past‐week daily mgTHC consumption, calculated from survey responses to queries about product type, amount and potency consumed and including adjustments for puff size and loss of THC from specific methods of administration. The primary outcomes were (1) number of CUD criteria (range = 0–11) and (2) CUD severity categories: none, mild, moderate, severe.Median daily consumption was ~130 mgTHC, with substantial variability (25% ≤ 50 mg and 25% ≥ 290 mg). On average, participants endorsed 2.5 CUD criteria, and 65% met criteria for CUD (39% mild, 18% moderate, 8% severe). Greater daily mgTHC predicted higher CUD criteria count [betalog(mgTHC) = 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.267–0.734] and higher odds of mild [log odds ratio (logOR) = 0.238, 95% CI = 0.184–0.292], moderate (logOR = 0.303, 95% CI = 0.232–0.374) or severe (logOR = 0.335, 95% CI = 0.236–0.435) CUD.Among daily consumers of cannabis, there appears to be a positive relationship between the daily quantity of cannabis consumed (measured in milligrams of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol) and both the risk and severity of cannabis use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis article presents a general similarity measure for comparing different variants of simple correspondence analysis when analysing the association using the Cressie-Read family of divergence statistics (Beh and Lombardo 2024, International Statistical Review). It includes, as special cases, the similarity measures that have been proposed in the correspondence analysis literature for assessing the similarities and differences between the traditional approach to simple correspondence analysis and new approaches like the log-ratio analysis, and the Hellinger distance method. This article describes six further properties that show how the proposed general similarity measure can be expanded upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We expose a theoretical hedging optimization framework with variational preferences under convex risk measures. We explore a general dual representation for the composition between risk measures and utilities. We study the properties of the optimization problem as a convex and monotone map per se. We also derive results for optimality and indifference pricing conditions. We also explore particular examples inside our setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A chemically cross‐linked version of polystyrene is presented here that allows the preparation of reversibly mechanically compressible gels as NMR weakly aligning media. The gels can be successfully swollen in aromatic solvents such as toluene‐d8 and pyridine‐d5, as well as in CDCl3, and provided accurate measurements of 1DCH RDCs and 13C‐RCSAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interband Cascade Lasers (ICL) have matured into a versatile technological platform in the mid‐infrared spectral domain. To broaden their applicability even further, ongoing research pursues the emission of ultrashort pulses. The most promising approach is passive mode‐locking with a fast saturable absorber. However, despite vast attempts no passive mode‐locked ICL has been demonstrated up to date. In this study, pump‐probe measurements are conducted on the ICL gain, demonstrating that ≈$\approx$60–70% of its dynamic behavior is characterized by a rapid recovery time of 2 ps. The findings explain why passive mode‐locking of ICLs has not succeeded so far, shedding a new light on ICL dynamics as strategies are proposed to overcome the current limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence of habit on health behaviour, or the formation or disruption of health habits over time, requires reliable and valid measures of automaticity. The most used measure, the Self‐Report Behavioural Automaticity Index (SRBAI; derived from the Self‐Report Habit Index [SRHI]), comprises four items, which may be impractical in some research contexts. Responding to demand from fellow researchers, this study sought to identify whether and which single items from the SRBAI adequately detect hypothesised effects of automaticity, via secondary analysis of 16 datasets, incorporating 16,838 participants and seven different behaviours. We assessed construct validity through correlations between each item and the full SRBAI (and where possible, the SRHI) and predictive validity by examining correlations with behaviour. All four single‐item measures independently met construct and predictive validity criteria. We recognise compelling conceptual and methodological arguments regarding why people should not attempt to assess automaticity via a single, self‐report item. However, where circumstances require brief measures, three SRBAI items each offer a credible and practical one‐item measure that can substitute for the SRBAI or SRHI. We recommend one item in particular—'Behaviour X is something I do automatically'—because it tended to most closely replicate the effects of the four‐item SRBAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder‐15 questionnaire (ED‐15) in a large clinical sample, as well as the instrument's sensitivity to early clinical change in therapy and ability to measure remission. Method: Participants with eating disorders (N = 278) referred to the Flinders University Services for Eating Disorders in South Australia completed the ED‐15 as well as other measures of eating disorder symptoms and co‐occurring psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a two‐factor model for the ED‐15. The ED‐15 had good internal consistency. It showed satisfactory concurrent validity with moderate correlations with the EDE‐Q global score and contribution of unique variance to that score. Correlations indicated good convergent validity with clinical impairment and good divergent validity from depression, anxiety, and stress. The ED‐15 showed a significant medium effect size change within the first four sessions of therapy. Good discriminant validity was indicated by cut‐off scores used for remission, with significantly different levels of ED psychopathology and other impairments between the two groups. Discussion: This study adds to the four previous psychometric studies of the ED‐15, confirming robustness of the English version in a clinical sample. The brevity and psychometric robustness of the ED‐15 makes it a preferable measure to the Eating Disorder Examination for sessional assessment of progress in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, hole generation in a 60 nm thick polarization‐doped AlxGa1–xN (x = 0.9–0.35)‐graded layer with some Mg doping (5 × 1018 cm−3) is demonstrated by using a 10 nm thick heavily (1 × 1020 cm−3) Mg‐doped Al0.35Ga0.65N contact layer. First, light emission from a deep‐ultraviolet light‐emitting diode is observed with the AlxGa1–xN (x = 0.9–0.35)‐graded layer and the Al0.35Ga0.65N contact layer, indicating a vertical hole transport from the Al0.35Ga0.65N contact layer to the active region through the polarization‐doped AlGaN‐graded layer. Second, hole concentration, mobility, and resistivity values of the AlxGa1–xN (x = 0.9–0.35)‐graded layer and the Al0.35Ga0.65N contact layer are evaluated by Hall effect measurement. A hole concentration of 1.8 × 1018 cm−3 is clearly observed by removing the AlGaN contact layer (not underneath of electrodes) to minimize a parallel conduction. The hole concentration shows a very weak temperature dependence from room temperature down to 150 K, suggesting that the holes are generated by polarization doping. Hole generation in the fully strained AlxGa1–xN (x = 0.9–0.35)‐graded layer is directly evaluated by Hall effect measurement with the AlGaN contact layer just underneath the electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For any radio frequency (RF) sensor (receiver) to function optimally, the ambient noise field strength, converted to electrical power by the transducer (antenna), must be lower than the in-ternal noise of that sensor. Therefore, knowledge of the expected ambient noise level is essential for the design of sensors for earth observation, atmospheric research, radio astronomy or navigation. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provides a model that predicts ambient man-made noise levels, differentiated by frequency, origin and environment. This is entirely empirical model is based on data from the 1960′s and 1970′s. In recent years, 90,205 noise measurements have been collected to update the model. The analysis of that data set presented here is essential as it shows a pitfall to avoid: despite to size of the data set it is sparce over the parameter space, and unacceptable biases occur when a purely empirical model is based on them. The paper proposes another approach: to create a mathematical model based on physics that can be fine-tuned and validated using these collected measurements, without producing the biases. A revolutionary side effect of such a model would be the linking of two currently isolated domains, that of spectrum management and electromagnetic compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a systematic approach to the design of Direct Current-to-Digital Converter (DIDC) specifically engineered to overcome the limitations of traditional current measurement methodologies in System-on-Chip (SoC) designs. The proposed DIDC addresses critical challenges such as high power consumption, large area requirements, and the need for intermediate analog signals. By incorporating a current mirror in a cascode topology and managing the current across multiple binary-sized branches with the Successive Approximation Register (SAR) logic, the design achieves precise current measurement. A simple comparator, coupled with an isolation circuit, ensures accurate and reliable sensing. Fabricated using the TSMC 180 nm process, the DIDC achieves 8-bit precision without the need for nonlinearity calibration, showcasing remarkable energy efficiency with an energy per conversion of 1.52 pJ, power consumption of 117 µW, and a compact area of 0.016 mm². This innovative approach not only reduces power consumption and area, but also provides a scalable and efficient solution for next-generation semiconductor technologies. The ability to conduct online measurements during both standard operations and in-field conditions significantly enhances the performance and reliability of SoCs, making this DIDC a promising advancement in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: "Diagnostic excellence," as a relatively new construct centered on the diagnostic process and its health-related outcomes, can be refined by patient reporting and its measurement. We aimed to explore the scope of patient-reported outcome (PRO) and patient-reported experience (PRE) domains that are diagnostically relevant, regardless of the future diagnosed condition, and to review the state of measurement of these patient-reported domains. Methods: We conducted an exploratory analysis to identify these domains by employing a scoping review supplemented with internal expert consultations, 24-member international expert convening, additional environmental scans, and the validation of the domains' diagnostic relevance via mapping these onto patient diagnostic journeys. We created a narrative bibliography of the domains illustrating them with existing measurement examples. Results: We identified 41 diagnostically relevant PRO and PRE domains. We classified 10 domains as PRO, 28 as PRE, and three as mixed PRO/PRE. Among these domains, 19 were captured in existing instruments, and 20 were captured only in qualitative studies. Two domains were conceptualized during this exploratory analysis with no examples identified of capturing these domains. For 27 domains, patients and care partners report on a specific encounter; for 14 domains, reporting relates to an entire diagnostic journey over time, which presents particular measurement opportunities and challenges. Conclusion: The multitude of PRO and PRE domains, if measured rigorously, would allow the diagnostic excellence construct to evolve further and in a manner that is patient-centered, prospectively focused, and concentrates on effectiveness and efficiency of diagnostic care on patients' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart sensor technologies to monitor temperature and moisture conditions in building components can be used to give automatic warnings for abnormal high levels of moisture. Flat compact roofs are of particular interest in this context, especially due to their vulnerability to rain leakages through the roofing membrane. Installing moisture sensors in such roofs measuring relative humidity (RH) and free water may give an early warning of rain leakages or condensation owing to air leakages from indoors before damage occurs. One challenge is, however, that normal moisture redistribution in the insulation layer over the season or a day may give very high levels of RH in the top or bottom part of the insulation. A sensor system must be able to distinguish between these normal RH levels and leakage events. Together with a sensor technology and control system producer, a semi-quantitative system that defines typical or normal RH levels in the insulation layer of the roof during the year has been developed. To investigate the applicability of such a system, measurements from the compact roofs of two pilot buildings located in Norway have been analysed. The objective has been to identify connections between measured data, occurring climate conditions and seasonal variations. Results may be used to further develop and improve the algorithms of the leakage warning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods for measuring the 226Ra activity are time-consuming and the equipment is large and inconvenient to carry. This article proposes a new method for quickly measuring the activity of high-concentration 226Ra using RAD7, which is simple to operate, does not require chemical separation. The 222Rn production rate is obtained by measuring the 222Rn concentration in a nonequilibrium state using RAD7, and the 226Ra activity is yielded according to the law of radioactive decay. Verification experimental results demonstrate that, compared with the FD125 measurement method, the proposed method reduces the measurement time by 92%, with result deviation within 6%. Therefore, the proposed method can provide technical support for rapid measurement during the 226Ra production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to develop a new method for estimation of the annual effective dose of thoron decay products for the population living in multi-story buildings. Preliminary measurements of the annual average thoron equilibrium equivalent concentration were performed in Ekaterinburg city considering the uncertainties of the developed method. The results were extrapolated to nine Russian cities using a non-destructive gamma-spectrometry technique, along with thoron equilibrium equivalent concentration estimations. Assessed annual average effective dose from thoron decay products was 0.32 mSv year–1 and ranged from 0.12 to 0.63 mSv year–1 depending on the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha-induced reactions are of pertinence in the production of radioisotopes used in varied domains including therapeutics and diagnostics. Sustained efforts are directed towards optimizing the production of such isotopes, typically using α-beams from the accelerators. Measurement of beam current remains an imperative component of the exercise and is conventionally pursued through the use of monitor reactions. The present work reports cross-section measurements of three such monitor reactions natCu(α,x)66,67Ga, 65Zn, in the energy range of Elab = 40–50 MeV where data is sparse in the existing literature. The experimental cross-sections have been reproduced in the reaction model calculations, using the TALYS framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertex and link residual closeness are two new measures of network vulnerability due to the failure of individual vertices and links, respectively. We identify those graphs with maximum vertex/link residual closeness over all n -vertex connected graphs with fixed fractional matching number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their widespread use, testing for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has become urgent in certain clinical situations. Screening based on widely available, rapid, and simple hemostasis assays such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, or even diluted Russel Viper venom time may provide sufficient evidence of "over-coagulation" and could be used "in small/peripheral/spoke laboratories" as an emergency strategy, but is not thought to be reliable for driving clinical decision making. Given their good correlation with plasma concentration, urine dipsticks may be considered a valuable alternative for emergency screening, although their performance is dependent on renal function, may vary depending on the time since the last urination, and there may be problems of interfacing with the laboratory/hospital information system. Separation methods based on liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry may be clinically questionable, since they measure the concentration rather than the actual inhibitory effect of DOACs, are relatively expensive, cumbersome and time consuming, and therefore seem unsuitable for most conditions requiring urgent clinical decision making. A proposed approach therefore involves establishing a network of routine clinical laboratories, designating a reference center where DOAC tests could be available 24/7, establishing a clear diagnostic care pathway for ordering the tests from the laboratory and standard operating procedures for performing them, the use of the diluted thrombin time for dabigatran and anti-FXa assays (drug-calibrated) for rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, as well as providing expert advice throughout the testing process, from ordering to interpretation of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the dimension of the attractor and quasi-Bernoulli measures of parametrized families of iterated function systems of non-conformal and non-affine maps. We introduce a transversality condition under which, relying on a weak Ledrappier-Young formula, we show that the dimensions equal to the root of the subadditive pressure and the Lyapunov dimension, respectively, for almost every choice of parameters. We also exhibit concrete examples satisfying the transversality condition with respect to the translation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We relate two ways to renormalize the Brownian loop measure on the Riemann sphere. One by considering the Brownian loop measure on the sphere minus a small disk, known as the normalized Brownian loop measure; the other by taking the measure on simple loops induced by the outer boundary of the Brownian loops, known as Werner's measure. This result allows us to interpret the Loewner energy as an Onsager–Machlup functional for SLE κ loop measure for any fixed κ ∈ (0 , 4 ] , and more generally, for any Malliavin–Kontsevich–Suhov loop measure of the same central charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of variations in rail profiles along the operation direction on simulations of vehicle-track interaction by combining numerical and experimental approaches. For this purpose, a procedure for the evaluation of rail profile measurement data is proposed based on the GEKON 3D inspection instrument. By establishing a dynamic vehicle-track interaction model, a comparative evaluation is performed with the uniform rail profiles or variations in the rail profiles. The results indicate that the proposed procedure can process raw data from continuous measurements, and the indices in terms of rail section loss, curvature index, and wheel-rail contact geometry can be evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of the rail profile variations along the train operating direction should not be overlooked, especially in curved tracks where the symmetry of the left and right rail profiles is poor. By considering the influence of variations in rail profiles, the simulated results are more likely to reflect the actual situation of dynamic vehicle-track interaction. It is believed that the use of uniform rail profiles may result in accuracy loss when analyzing dynamic vehicle responses, especially under scenarios of long-distance wheel-rail contact status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Self-reports of electronic cigarette (ECIG) device and liquid characteristics are not always accurate or consistent with characteristics as measured by researchers. Two methods for measuring ECIG characteristics were compared: user self-reports and rater-coded pictures. Methods: Exclusive ECIG users (N = 321) reported on device (disposable, refillable, adjustable power, brand) and liquid (nicotine concentration, formulation, flavor) characteristics. To measure device type, they chose the term that best described their device ("cig-alike," "vape pen," "mod," "pod," "don't know") and the picture that best resembled their device (cig-alike, vape pen, box mod, USB-shaped pod, teardrop-shaped pod, none). Respondents uploaded device and liquid pictures, and independent raters coded these same features. Agreement between methods was examined with Cohen's kappa and intra-class correlations, including with "don't know" responses included and excluded from analyses. Results: Regardless of how "don't know" responses were treated, agreement was highest for disposable (95.3–97.7%), refillable (96.3%), adjustable power (83.6–88.7%), and brand (77.9–80.4%), and lower for nicotine concentration (72.7%), nicotine formulation (58.6–79.4%), and flavor (66.2%). For device type, agreement was moderate using both term-based (67.9–78.8%) and picture resemblance-based (71.7%) items. For terms, the greatest discrepancy was for devices classified as "vape pens" by self-reports; of these, 70.6% were classified as "pods" by raters. For picture resemblance, ∼13% of users reported that their device resembled none of the pictures; raters classified these devices as USB-shaped pods (50.0%) and mods (23.8%). Conclusions: Self-reports may be sufficient for measuring some characteristics (brand, disposable, refillable, adjustable power), but not others (nicotine concentration and formulation, and some flavor). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing measures of belonging in schools do not explicitly elevate the contextual and cultural insights of the educators and students they were designed to assess. Our study addresses this shortcoming through the co-creation of an Opportunities to Belong survey measure for urban middle schoolers. The tool was developed in partnership with practicing educators and normed around Black and Latinx students (N = 225). Results of a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis revealed strong evidence for single factor structure. A within-persons multilevel model revealed that shifts in opportunities to belong predicted fluctuations in student engagement across different academic courses. Implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a topological proof (using directly some known results about infinite-dimensional spaces) of the following strengthening of a remarkable Hausdorff theorem: each separable metrizable space admitting a continuous map onto [0,1] is the union of a sequence G_1 \subset \ldots \subset G_{\xi } \subset \ldots, {\xi } < {\omega }_1, G_{\xi } \not = X, of zero-dimensional G_{\delta }-sets in X such that for any finite Borel measure \mu on X, \mu (X \setminus G_{\xi }) = 0, for some {\xi }. Our approach yields also an analogous result in a more general setting of ccc \sigma-ideals. Proofs of the Hausdorff theorem in the literature are based on subtle combinatorial reasonings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confrontation naming measures are commonly used for both diagnostic and clinical research purposes in populations of known or suspected neurodegenerative disorders. The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is the most widely used measure of confrontation naming but has been criticized for outdated and culturally biased content. A new naming measure, the Multilingual Naming Test (MiNT), has been developed that may address these limitations, but research regarding its validity and diagnostic performance relative to existing instruments is limited. The current study examined how the BNT and MiNT performed in a sample of older adults evaluated in an interprofessional memory disorders clinic. Eighty-six individuals (50.0% women) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The average age of participants was 74.2 years (SD = 7.7), and the average education was 16.7 years (SD = 2.5). Most participants were non-Hispanic White (94.2%), and the remaining participants were Hispanic or Black. All participants completed a comprehensive evaluation in English and were administered both the BNT and the MiNT. The strength of agreement as indexed by CCC (.67) was modest for the sample as a whole. Eighty-seven-point five percent classification agreement for impaired vs. normal naming performance was obtained. Eleven cases showed disagreement between BNT and MiNT classification of impairment, with seven of these being borderline score cases. Overall, the results suggest that the MiNT performs similarly at the identification of naming impairments as the BNT, though performance may diverge across different diagnostic groups and may be influenced by age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study describes the validation of a computerized adaptation of the novel Tri-Choice Naming and Response Bias Measure (N-Tri) developed to detect untruthful responding while being less susceptible to coaching than existing measures. We hypothesized that the N-Tri would have comparable sensitivity and specificity to traditional tests but would have improved accuracy for detecting coached simulators. Four-hundred volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: uncoached simulators' group (n = 118), coached simulators' group (n = 136), or control group (n = 146). Both simulator groups were asked to feign concussion symptoms, but the coached group received a test-taking strategy and a description of concussion symptoms. The participants were administered the computerized version of the new measure in conjunction with computerized adaptations of two well-validated response bias tests commonly used to detect cognitive malingering, the Reliable Digit Span (RDS) and Portland Digit Recognition Test (PDRT). Our data show the new measure correlated highly with other established measures. However, the classification accuracy did not significantly increase when compared to the traditional tests. Our findings support that the N-Tri performs at a comparable level to existing forced choice measures of response bias. Nevertheless, the N-Tri could potentially improve the detection of response bias as existing tests become more recognizable by the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression among older adults is a pressing public health concern, necessitating accurate assessment tools. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) offers a brief and efficient means of screening depressive symptoms, yet its performance across ethno-racial groups remains understudied. This study aimed to compare the ability of various brief forms of the GDS to detect depressive symptoms and to assess potential ethno-racial differences in symptom endorsement among White, Black/African-American, and American Indian/Alaska Native older adults. Data were obtained from the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) clinical cohort, comprising 555 cognitively healthy individuals at risk for dementia. We used participants' baseline data for this cross-sectional analysis. Depressive symptoms were assessed using multiple brief forms of the GDS, derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis. We examined internal consistency and correlations with global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores. We conducted Kruskal-Wallis tests and post hoc pairwise comparisons to assess ethno-racial group differences in symptom endorsement. Descriptive statistics revealed a predominance of female and White participants, with notable representation from Black and American Indian/Alaska Native groups. All GDS versions demonstrated moderate to high internal consistency. Significant positive correlations were observed between GDS scores and global CDR scores. Ethno-racial group differences in depressive symptom endorsement were evident, with Black participants consistently reporting higher levels of symptoms across most GDS versions. However, American Indian/Alaska Native participants endorsed significantly fewer symptoms than Black participants in one GDS version. The study highlights the importance of considering ethno-racial differences in depressive symptomatology when assessing older adults. While the GDS demonstrates overall reliability, variations in symptom endorsement across different ethno-racial groups underscore the need for culturally sensitive assessment tools and interventions. Future research should further explore these group differences and develop tailored approaches to depression screening and treatment in diverse older adult populations. • Depression among older adults is a pressing public health concern, necessitating accurate assessment tools. • Ethno-racial group differences in depressive symptom endorsement were evident, with Black participants consistently reporting higher levels of symptoms. • American Indian/Alaska Native participants endorsed significantly fewer symptoms than Black participants in one GDS version. • The study highlights the importance of considering ethno-racial differences in depressive symptomatology when assessing older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature does not clearly convey the relationship between eminential morphometry and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. This study attempts to reveal whether there is a relationship between non-contact ACL ruptures and eminential morphometry. Methods: Knee magnetic resonance images (MRIs) taken for the various indications between January 2022 and June 2023 were retrospectively scanned. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with an ACL rupture and those with an intact ACL. For each patient, eminential angle 1, eminential angle 2, medial eminential height, lateral eminential height, total eminential height, eminential width, and the ratio of tibial plateau width and eminential width to the tibial plateau width were measured by 2 different orthopedists. Patients whose MRIs were used for measurement were evaluated and grouped according to their age, sex, and injury side. Results: In total, 400 MRIs of 400 patients were included in the study. While 200 patients had an ACL rupture, 200 had an intact ACL. The total eminential height in the ACL rupture group was measured at 16.1 ± 2.6 mm and 15.5 ± 2.7 mm (p = 0.035) in the ACL intact group. Eminental width in the ACL rupture group was measured at 12.1 ± 1.9 mm and 13.0 ± 2.0 mm in the ACL intact group (p = 0.0001). The tibial plateau width was 75.4 ± 15.7 mm in the ACL rupture group and 73.6 ± 5.8 mm in the ACL intact group (p = 0.002). According to the logistic regression analysis, the p-value for males was 0.0001, and for eminential width, the p-value was 0.0001. Conclusions: A significant difference was found between the ACL rupture and the ACL intact groups regarding eminential height, eminential width, and tibial plateau width parameters. Being male and having a low eminential width were identified as independent risk factors for non-contact ACL. Trial registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]